Final Salute

Richard Francis Murphy Obituary

Richard Francis Murphy, of Byron, formerly of Austin, passed away peacefully on Dec. 18, 2019, at Madonna Towers Hospice Care in Rochester.

He was born on April 23, 1930, in South Bend, Ind., and graduated from Elkhart Indiana High School in 1948. Richard joined the Navy and served in the Seabees on the island of Guam during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He was married to Jaroldine Lee on July 25, 1953.

Richard graduated from Trine University in Angola, Ind., with a BS Degree in civil engineering in 1955. After working with the Wabash Railroad from 1955 to 1957, he moved to Austin, Minn., in 1957, where he served as both assistant city engineer and city engineer for 35 years until his retirement in 1992. Richard served as president of the Austin Swim Club for several years, and was also a member of the Mower County Soil Conservation Board. As a licensed professional engineer, Richard served on many city and State of Minnesota Boards.

Murphy was an avid Notre Dame and Minnesota Vikings football fan. He also participated in local recreational softball and basketball leagues for several years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Elsie Mae (Edwards); three brothers, Donald, Robert and David; sister, Patricia Carter.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jaroldine; daughter, Colleen Murphy, Austin; two sons, Christopher, Madison, Wis., and Patrick (Nancy), Omaha, Neb.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29 at Mayer Funeral Home with a rosary at 6 p.m.

Per Richard’s request, a private family service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.